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EMAnd to complete the topic of electrolysis I had to repost this video!
Here I used electroplating to give my ring a make over!! What are the bases of electroplating?
Electrolysis is a process where current passes from one electrode to another in an electrolyte. The electrolyte is broken down to form elements.
In electrolysis of copper sulfate solution, copper sulfate (aq) is used as electrolyte. In this particular case I am using as anode (positive electrode) a graphite electrode, and as cathode (negative electrode) my silver ring.
Copper sulfate solution contains the following ions: Cu2+, SO4 2-, H+ and OH-. The positive iones will migrate towards the negative electrode and the negative ions will go to the positive electrode.
The reaction that happens at the anode is a reaction of oxidation with loss of electrons and formation of oxygen gas from ions OH which are discharged. As in this case I have used a graphite electrode, the oxygen gas reacts with carbon producing carbon dioxide gas. At the cathode there is gain of electrons so copper ions are discharged and deposited on the electrode as solid copper. That is why my ring become coated of copper.
What about hydrogen and sulfate ions? They form sulfuric acid that stays in solution.
#Chemistry #chemistrylab #scientist #science stem
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